Easton sees increase in development

 EASTON, Maine — A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Village Health Care marked the newest addition to the community, which has seen an increase in both business and residential development over the past year.
“We’ve seen a real spurt in development, especially with businesses that are supportive of our industries. We’ve seen various different businesses cropping up that enhance what we already have here,” said Town Manager Jim Gardner.
From industrial parts suppliers to truck wash facilities and more, Gardner said Easton welcomes the new additions.
“BDI Industries is a bearing distributor out of Iowa. It’s located on the Richardson Road and is managed by Kevin Mitchell,” said Gardner.
Providing service to truckers with freezer units that primarily serve McCain Foods is Doug’s Washout.
“Doug’s is also located on the Richardson Road and managed by Doug Carlisle. The do all the washing of trailers for McCain’s. The business works well with one of our major industries,” said the town manager.
B&C Auto Sales on the Station Road is another business new to town.
“B&C is owned by Harvey Bevins and Lori Corey. They do auto repairs and are the local U-Haul dealer. They also offer 24-hour towing service,” he said.
The auction business is also picking up in Easton, with two companies calling the town home.
“We’ve seen a spurt in auction barns. We have Aroostook Auction Barn, located on the Houlton Road/Route 1A, which is owned by Travis Hussey. They do auctions, including cattle, household and estate,” said Gardner.
“We also have the Maine Auction and Appraisal Service, headquartered on the Fuller Road and owned by David Salkind. He handles a variety of auctions as well,” said the town manager.
Gardner said business is pretty well spread out throughout the community.
“We’d rather be proactive rather than reactive. When a business opens here, it’s not only good for the town, but good for the people, providing revenue and jobs,” said Gardner.
He said the Amish have established themselves in the community, serving as good neighbors and opening two businesses.
“We have J&J Cabins on the Houlton Road/Route 1A. They do mini barns and sheds. ‘J&J’ stands for Jonas and Joni Swartzentruber. We have new owners of the Center Store, which offers baked goods and they’ve opened a furniture shop. That’s on the Houlton Road/Route 1A at the four corners intersection. They also carry pottery, candles, etc. That’s owned by Sam Gingerich,” said Gardner.
Village Health Care is the newest offering in town.
“We’ve opened our first health center. VHC is owned by Angela R. Buck, FNP-C. She handles appointments at the center and also does house visits. There may be opportunities in the future for her to work with McCain’s and Huber — work with their employees on things like health fairs or employment screenings. VHC is located on Main Street,” said Gardner.
Gardner said the town renovated the former site of Mike’s Pickles, entering a lease/purchase agreement with Buck for the building. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place May 5, marking the official opening of the center. There will be an afternoon open house at the Village Health Center on Friday, May 9.
In addition to businesses, Easton is also working to improve housing options in the community.
“The town bought its own subdivision and dove into the real estate world. Moose Meadows is an extension of Duncan Drive. It’s on the left as you enter town and has 10 lots, with four sold already. We bought those and have priced them right, so we’re confident they’ll sell,” said Gardner.
According to Gardner, appropriate tests have been performed, such as soil tests, and the road is paved all the way to the end. He said while the town had a number of positives needed to attract new residents, housing was deemed a priority.
“We have a good school system, industry, the mil rate’s low — still under $17 per thousand in valuation. What was missing was housing. We figured if we bought the land and created a subdivision, then sold at a good rate, it would put the property back on the tax rolls. Perry Drive (on the right as you enter town) has been very successful, with 14 of 18 lots sold so far,” he said.
He said the top priority on the business side is to diversify. Housing was the town’s next goal.
“On the housing side, when we went through our comprehensive plan, we saw things we wanted to do 10 years ago that never happened. Now we’re already working on things for future plans,” said Gardner. “The bottom line, town officials agreed and said ‘Let’s not be something we’re not.’ We’re a small farming community in northern Maine. This is about community and making Easton a place to work and raise a family.”
Gardner said town officials aren’t stopping with the progress they’ve made but are looking to do even more development.
“The future of Easton includes a building behind the bank that may have three more businesses. We’d like to have our own beauty salon, laundromat and redemption center there,” said Gardner.
“Services — that’s what we’re doing. We want to bring services to Easton that make you want to live here. That’s what our goal is,” said Gardner.